Hi there from Ashburton, a small provincial town much like any other in New Zealand which this week has been the centre of  media attention for all the wrong reasons.  Our community is in mourning and disbelief,  and our thoughts are with the family, friends and co-workers of the victims of Monday's tragic incident.

If "'everything happens for a reason" it will take a much better person  than I am to figure this out.  In the meantime  it does make you re-evaluate things, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.  Time spent with family, sharing a meal together, a drive in the country, a walk through the garden, time spent stitching or whatever it is that makes you happy.

This week we have had some gorgeous new wool applique patterns arrive in US designer Jan Speed.   These are are aquirky combination of crazy patch and wool embroidery, and if you love cats this one is for you.  You could also check out the other designs that have just been added to the website.

Also new in this week I have managed to get hold of some extra large heavy duty quilt hangers in three sizes 30", 34" and 38" ranging in price from $46-52.  I only have a limited number of these, so again it is a first in first served sort of deal with more details on the website.

Also if you have a few minutes more to gaze at the computer screen and you need some more inspiration, have a look at the heap of free patterns available from Janome.

http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Patterns

Well, that is about it from me this week, don't forget your tickets for the Trunk Show with Natalie Bird on Friday 19th September, and last but not least, the winner of the monthly draw for August is Kerry Hammond from Fairlie.

This week's recipe is a tasty savoury dish that can be served as nibbles, in a pita bread or as a light lunch or dinner dish with a fresh salad.

Cheesy Quinoa and Broccoli Patties

• 1/2 c quinoa
• 1 cup water
• 5 large broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
•  1/4 c breadcrumbs
• 1/4 grated cheese
• 1 large egg
• salt and pepper
• oil for cooking

In a small saucepan  mix half a cup of quinoa and 1 cup of boiling water and let it come to the boil.  Cover and simmer for  about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.  Set aside to cool completely.

Saute the onion until it is soft and translucent.   Steam the broccoli until it has softened.  Put the broccoli aside  to cool and then dice it into small pieces.

In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together, adding the egg last of all.

Shape into patties.  Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the patties until golden.